Back-to-School Routines for Your Family

by Mandi on August 27, 2010

back to school routines

source: woodley wonderworks

My monthly column is up at Zen Family Habits, and I’m talking about back-to-school routines!

Has the new school year started for your family?

Whether it’s already back in session or you’re gearing up for it to start in the next few weeks, take some time to think through your family’s routines and schedules during the school year. Look for ways to connect more and get through “transition” times more efficiently to decrease stress for the whole family.

Here are some tips to help you get started, and they’re tips that apply whether your kids attend school or are homeschooled:

Evening Routines

To make your mornings smoother and easier on everyone in the family, try incorporating some of these tasks into your evening routine:

  • Lay out clothes for the next day
  • Make sure backpacks are ready to go by the door
  • Pack lunches
  • Review your schedule, to-do list and meal plan

Getting these things done the evening before – when there is no rush to get out the door – eliminates the stress associated with morning routines so you can start your day out more peacefully.

Read more at Zen Family Habits…


  • Merry Jo

    I’d add to the evening routine to get all breakfast things out (except for refrigerated items, of course) and on the kitchen table. This makes my morning run so much smoother when bowls, cups, spoons, vitamins, and even cereal boxes and bread are out on the table, all ready to be used!

    • http://naturecanopy.typepad.com/lilolu/ Jackie@Lilolu

      That’s a great idea, Merry Jo. We could probably get a few more minutes of sleep too.

  • Merry Jo

    I’d add to the evening routine to get all breakfast things out (except for refrigerated items, of course) and on the kitchen table. This makes my morning run so much smoother when bowls, cups, spoons, vitamins, and even cereal boxes and bread are out on the table, all ready to be used!

    • http://naturecanopy.typepad.com/lilolu/ Jackie@Lilolu

      That’s a great idea, Merry Jo. We could probably get a few more minutes of sleep too.

  • http://jamesmartell.com James Martell

    I work at home with my wife Arlene. As much as we love the Summer it is always so nice when the kids get back to school and the schedule returns to normal.

  • http://jamesmartell.com James Martell

    I work at home with my wife Arlene. As much as we love the Summer it is always so nice when the kids get back to school and the schedule returns to normal.

  • rebecca

    you said to ” avoid hormone therapy of any kind”, but some of us out here are in the menopausal age and having an awful time with hot flashes, etc. without some bioidentical hormones. Argh! what to do, what to do.

    • http://www.kitchenstewardship.com Katie Kimball

      Rebecca,
      I have heard of many people who can alleviate the symptoms of menopause via food and supplements, but I can’t think of any sources right now. Pretty much all of my PMS symptoms have disappeared since changing our diet 2 years ago, so I do believe in the power of real, whole, traditional foods! I hope you can find some good alternatives… :) Katie

      • Anonymous

        Lisa from The Well Grounded Life has a free ebook on alleviating PMS symptoms. Even though the symptoms are different, I wonder if some of her methods would work for menopause as well? It’s on her sidebar under the Free Stuff tab: http://www.wellgroundedlife.com

  • http://twitter.com/themomwrites prerna

    Thanks for sharing this Katie. We use an RO system but I still want to do more research on its efficacy.. On a different note, we use the wasted water to water plants and wash driveways and balconies. So, no waste:-)

  • http://www.thediscombobulatedmommy.blogspot.com Heather

    I’m so glad that you mentioned Natural Family Planning! I’ve been using that method for the last 8 years and have never used any other form of contraception. It’s amazing how in tune you are with your body when you follow that method. It’s free, “green” and so much better for your body!

  • http://twitter.com/jenniferswilson Jennifer S. Wilson

    Thanks for a well-researched post Katie. I think you did a great job of shedding light on a concerning issue without being alarmist.

  • http://twitter.com/tessaj Tessa

    This is an interesting and frightening post, but it left me wondering about my water. I’m on city water, but we use a Pur filter. Sounds like that’s not enough? Any way to find out about specific water? Testing or something? I do most of the things you mentioned in terms of birth control, not flushing meds, etc. but now I want to drink bottled water too! Although I know that isn’t good! (and possibly also contains estrogen?) Ugh.

    • Anonymous

      That’s a good question about bottled water. I’m guessing the answer is yes… :S

  • http://twitter.com/StephAndrews Stephanie Andrews

    I

  • http://twitter.com/StephAndrews Stephanie Andrews

    I got discount tickets from living social, groupon, and KGB costing $4-$5 per ticket instead of $12. Also, by liking AMC theaters on Facebook I get coupons for a free drink or popcorn once in a while. My husband and I will sometimes go to the movies separately so we don’t have to pay a babysitter.

  • Tracy

    Dollar theatre all the way!

  • Bex

    The theater near me offers discounts for attending the first showing of each movie per day, even on weekends. On a Saturday morning, I can see a new release film for about the same price as the discount theater down the street, and it’s usually not overrun with people.

  • Jennifer

    My husband and I go to the movies just about every weekend. We have a pretty set time that we can go so we aren’t always able to take advantage of the early showtimes. I have gotten movie tickets using Groupon for about $4-$5 off per ticket. I also buy tickets from Costco for a few dollars off. One of the theater chains (Regal) in Denver offer $5 tickets all day on Tuesdays. This is a great deal if you can get away on a weekday.

  • http://becomingmorewithless.wordpress.com Frances

    Birth control of some form or another is very important to a lot of people. There are various levels of change and some people are not ready to ditch their tried and true protection. The copper IUD is one option. There are also many forms of birth control that work with progestin only, including pills, shots and IUD’s. If these are unfavorable there is also the Nuva Ring, which secretes the lowest amount of Estrogen of any low dose on the market.

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